SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON
QUARTERLY
NO. 118
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CAL., OCTOBER, 1924
20c a year
SENIOR DIVISION
FOURTH QUARTER
1924
The Christian Life
Thirteenth Sabbath Offering
December
27, 1924
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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
LESSON - FAITH
•
OCTOBER 4, 1924
Daily Study Suggestions
1.
Study Questions 1-3. Memorize Heb. 11: 1. Cite one notable instance of
the exercise of faith, and relate the story briefly.
2.
Study Questions 4-6. Read Note 1. How does 1 Thess. 1: 3 stand re-
lated to Rom. 3: 28? Give an illustration.
3.
Review Questions 1-6, and look up and study all the marginal references.
How is faith made perfect?
4.
Study Questions 7-9. Whit is said of the relation between two of the
fruits of the Spirit? What do they bring to the possessor?
5.
Memorize 1 John 5: 4. Study Questions 10-12. Study Notes 2 and 3.
What is faith said to be? After we have confessed our sins, upon what
does forgiveness depend?
6.
Review the memory texts. Study Questions 13-16. Memorize Mark 11:
24. Relate the substance of Notes 4 and 5 in your own words.
7.
Review Questions 7-16.
Questions
1.
What does the Bible state concerning faith? Heb. 11: 1.
2.
How is faith said to come? Rom. 10: 17.
3.
With what must the Word be mixed to be profitable to us?
Heb. 4: 2.
4.
How does God consider any act which is not prompted by
faith? Rom. 14: 23.
5.
How does Paul connect work• and faith? 1 Thess. 1: 3.
Note 1.
6.
How does James speak of works and faith? James 2: 20-
22.
7.
How is faith said to work? Gal. 5: 6.
8.
Of what is faith a fruit? Gal. 5: 22.
9.
What is the ultimate purpose of faith? 1 Peter 1: 8, 9.
14). How may victory over the world be obtained? 1 John 5: 4.
11.
How are salvation and faith spoken of? Eph. 2: 8.
Note 2.
12.
Relate an instance of saving faith. John 5: 1-9. Note 3.
13.
What spiritual lesson may be learned from this? Note 4.
14.
Repeat the precious promise in Mark 11: 24. Note 5.
15.
In what prayer may all join? Mark 9: 24.
16.
In what blessed prayer may we be included? Luke 22: 32.
Notes
1. Paul's statement in Rom. 3: 28, that we are "justi-
fied by faith without the deeds of the law," does not exclude
"work of faith, and labor of love" as a part of Christian expe-
rience and duty. 1 Thess. 1: 3. Any work done to gain the
favor of .God is in vain; but love always constrains to ac-
ceptable service.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
3
2.
We are saved by grace through faith, This saving
grace is entirely a gift of God. Every one may ask God for
this gift and receive it.
"You have confessed your sins, and in heart put them
away. You have resolved to give yourself to God. Now go to
Him, and ask that He will wash away your sins, and give
you a new heal t. Then believe that He does this
because He
has promised.
This is the lesson which Jesus taught while
He was on earth, that the gift which God promises us, we must
believe we do receive, and it is ours."—"Steps
to Christ," pp.
53, 54, latest edition.
3.
"From the simple Bible account of how Jesus healed
the sick, we may learn something about how to believe in Him
for the forgiveness of sins. Let us turn to the story of the
paralytic at Bethesda. The poor sufferer was helpless; he had
not used his limbs for thirty-eight years. Yet Jesus bade him,
`Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.' The sick .man might have
said, 'Lord, if Thou wilt make me whole, I will obey Thy
word.' But no, he believed Christ's word, believed that he was
made whole, and he made the effort at once; he
willed
to walk,
and he did walk. He acted on the word of Christ, and. God
gave the power. He was made whole.”—
Id., p. 54.
4.
"In like manner you are a sinner. You can not atone
for your past sins, you can not change your heart, and make
yourself holy. But God promises to do all this for you through
Christ. You
believe
that promise. You confess your sins, and
give yourself to God. You
will
to serve Him. Just as surely
as you do this, God will fulfill His word to you. If you be-
lieve the promise,— believe that you are forgiven and
cleansed,— God supplies the fact; you are made whole, just as
Christ gave the paralytic power to walk when the man be-
lieved that he was healed. It
is
so if you believe it.
"Do not wait to
feel
that you are made whole, but say, 'I
believe it; it
is
so, not because I feel it, but because God has
promised.'
"— Id., p. 55.
5.
"Jesus says, 'What things soever ye desire, when ye
pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.'
There is a condition to this promise,— that we pray according
to the will of God. But it is the will of God to cleanse us from
sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live 'a holy
life. So we may ask for these blessings, and believe that we
receive them, and thank God that we
have
received them. It
is our privilege to go to Jesus and be cleansed, and to stand
before the law without shame or remorse. 'There is there-
fore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.' . . .
"Some seem to feel that they must be on probation, and
must prove to the Lord that they are reformed, before they
4
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
can claim His blessing. But they may claim the blessing of
God even now. They must have His grace, the Spirit of
Christ, to help their infirmities, or they can not resist evil.
Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are, sinful,
helpless, dependent. We may come with all our weakness,
our folly, our sinfulness, and fall at His feet in penitence. It
is His glory to encircle us in the arms of His love, and to bind
up our wounds, to cleanse us from all impurity.
"Here is where thousands fail: they do not believe that
Jesus pardons them personally, individually. They do not
take God at His word. It is the privilege of all who comply
with the conditions to know for themselves that pardon is
freely extended for every sin. Put away the suspicion that
God's promises are not meant for you. They are for every
repentant transgressor. Strength and grace have been pro-
vided through Christ to be brought by ministering angels to
every believing soul. None are so sinful that they can not
find strength, purity, and righteousness in Jesus, ,who died
for them. He is waiting to strip them of their garments
stained and polluted with sin, and to put upon them the white
robes of righteousness; He bids them live, and not die."—
Id., pp. 55-57.
LEssQN 2
— RIGHT E OUS NE S S BY
FAITH
OCTOBER 11, 1924
' Daily Study Suggestions
1.
Study Questions 1-3. Read Isa. 14: 11-17; Eze. 28: 13-19. Relate in
your own words the story of man's first sin. Explain how this first sin
affected the whole human family. Rom. 5: 17-19.
2.
What points were developed in the first three questions? Study Questions
4-6. Memorize Matt.
5:
17-19. What is the only hope of the sinner, as
pointed out in Note 1?
3.
Review Questions 1-6. Show how the gospel
became
necessary for man,
and what constitutes it "good news" to him.
4.
Study Questions 7-9. How does Isaiah describe our own righteousness?
Isa. 64: 6. Study Notes 2 and 3, and look up all the references. Memo-
rize Rom. 3: 21.
5.
Study Questions 10-13, and look up marginal references to Rom. 6: 1, 2;
Gen. 15:
5,
6; Rom. 9: 31, 32. What wonderful exchange is pointed out
in Note 4?
6.
Review the first half of the lesson. Repeat the memory verses.
7.
Study Questions 14-16. Review the last half of the lesson. Read care-
fully all the notes, and look up references.
Questions
1.
What is sin? 1 John 3: 4.
2.
How many have 'sinned? Rom. 3: 19, 23.
3.
What is the fate of the sinner? Eze. 18: 4; Rom. 6: 23.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
5
4.
What has Christ abolished? What is brought to light
through the gospel? 2 Tim. 1: 10. Note 1.
5.
What is revealed in the gospel? Rom. 1: 17.
6.
How may this righteousness become ours? Rom. 3: 22;
4: 5; Phil. 3: 9.
7.
Is this righteousness earned by keeping the law, or is it
a gift? Rom. 3: 20; 5: 17; Gal. 2: 16.
8.
How may we know that the righteousness we receive by
faith as a gift is God's true righteousness? Rom. 3: 21.
Note 2.
9.
How has Christ made it possible for righteousness to be
imputed to the believers? Rom. 5: 18, 19. Note 3.
10.
How does Paul make it clear that the righteousness we
obtain as a gift must not be made an excuse for sin?"
Rom. 6: 1, 2.
11.
Cite an example of this righteousness. Gen. 15:5, 6;
Rom. 4: 13-22.
12.
Why did Israel fail to attain to ;`the law of righteous-
ness"? Rom. 9: 31, 32.
13.
What has Christ been made? What have we been made?
2 Cor. 5:21. Note 4.
14.
What name is given to Christ? Jer. 23: 5, 6.
15.
How completely has Christ become our Saviour? 1 Cor.
1:30.
16.
What is promised to them that accept the gift of right-
eousness? Rom. 5: 17. Note 5.
Notes
1.
All have sinned; and apart from the gospel, there is no
hope for any sinner to escape the penalty of sin, which is
death. But Christ has abolished, not the law (Matt. 5: 17-19),
but death (2 Tim. 1: 10), and has brought life and immor-
tality to light through the gospel.
2.
"The law requires righteousness,- a righteous life, a
perfect character; and this man has not to give. He can not
meet the claims of God's holy law. But Christ, coming to. thia
earth as man, lived a holy life, and developed a perfect char-
acter. These He offers as a free gift to all who will receive
them. His life stands for the life of men. Thus they have
remission of sins that are past, 'through the forbearance of
God. More than this, Christ imbues men with the attributes
of God. He builds up the human character after the simili-
tude of the divine character, a goodly fabric of spiritual
strength and beauty. Thus the very righteousness of the, law
is fulfilled in the believer in Christ. God can 'be just, and
.
the
justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.'
""The Desire of
Ages," p. 762.
3.
"By the obedience of one shall Many be made righteous."
Rom. 5: 19. Christ kept the law, and thereby demonstrated
6
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
that it was possible for man to obey God. But His life was
more than merely a demonstration of the possibility of keep-
ing the law. After having lived a life of obedience, He offers
the righteousness of that life to anyone who will receive it
(Rom. 4: 24) ; "that the life also of Jesus might be made
manifest in our body" (2 Cor. 4: 10), and that thus "we might
be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5: 21).
4.
Christ was made sin for us, and we have been made
righteousness in Him. As verily as Christ was made sin, so
verily have we been made not only righteousness, but the
righteousness of God in Him. What an exchange!
"Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be
treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in
'which He had no share, that we might be justified by His
righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the
death which was ours, that we might receive the life which
was His. 'With His stripes we are healed.!"—"The
Desire
of Ages," p. 25.
"More than ',this, Christ changes the heart, He abides in
your heart by faith. You are to maintain this connection with
Christ by faith and the continual surrender of your will to
Him; and so long as you do this, He will work in you to will
and to do according to His good pleasure."--"Steps to
Christ,"
pp. 67, 68.
5.
The promise that they "shall reign in life" does not
refer to the future life only. The one who accepts God's
righteousness by faith will now have victory over sin and evil,
and the future life will be merely a fuller revelation of this.
LESSON 3-OBEDIENCE
OCTOBER 18, 1924
Daily Study Suggestions
),
Study Questions 1-4. Memorize Heb. 5: 9. With
what
great sins does
God associate disobedience? 1 Sam. 15: 23. Describe
the effect
of the
preaching of
the
gospel in apostolic times.
2.
Study Questions 5-7. Study Note 1, and give the chief thoughts in your
own words. Memorize Phil. 2: 5-8.
3.
Review the first seven questions, giving the substance of each of- the
scriptures, or quoting them if possible, without referring
to
your Bible.
Memorize 2 Cor. 10: 5.
4.
Study Questions 8-11. What does Peter say brings purification of soul?
What relation do you see between 1 Peter 1: 22 and Acts 15: 9? What
does Paul mean by
"obeying
from the heart"? Study Note 2.
5.
Study Questions 12-15. Tell in your own words two instances in Abra-
ham's life where he exhibited great faith. What is meant by the word
"imputed"?
6.
Study Questions 16-18. Review the memory texts. To what length will
the true spirit of obedience lead us? Study Note 3.
7.
Review the entire lesson, looking up all the references and reading the
notes.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
7
Questions
1.
How did God value obedience in ancient times? 1 Sam.
15: 22.
2.
To whom is, salvation promised in the New Testament?
Heb. 5: 9.
3.
What effect did Paul's preaching have upon the Gentiles?
Rom. 15: 18.
4.
What effect did the preaching of God's word have upon
the priests in Jerusalem? Acts 6: 7.
5.
What is said of the obedience of Christ? Heb. 5: 8;
Phil. 2: 8. Note 1.
6.
How does this obedience affect us? Rom. 5: 19.
7.
How complete should our obedience be? 2 Cor. 10: 5.
8.
How is purity of soul related to obedience? 1 Peter 1: 22.
9.
To whom will the Holy Spirit be given? Acts 5: 32.
10.
How may we know that we know Christ? 1 John 2: 3.
11.
What kind of obedience does Paul thank. God for? Rom.
6: 17. Note 2.
12.
What did Abraham's spirit of obedience cause him to do?
Heb. 11 : 8; Gen. 12: 1, 4.
•
13.
How did he further manifest this spirit? Gen. 22: 1-18.
14.
What was imputed to Abraham because of this experience?
What new name did he receive? James 2: 23.
15.
What will be the condition of those who do not obey the
truth? Rom. 2: 8, 9. •
16.
While our first duty is to God, whom are we also com-
manded to obey? Acts 5: 29; Heb. 13: 17; Col. 3:20,
22; Rom. 13 : 1. Note 3.
17.
To whom is the first commandment with promise given?
Eph. 6: 1, 2.
18.
What promise is given to the willing and obedient? Isa.
1: 19.
Notes
1. "The tempter thought to take advantage of Christ's
humanity, and urge Him to presumption. But while Satan
can solicit, he can not compel to sin. He said to Jesus, 'Cast
Thyself down,' knowing that he could not cast Him down; for
God would interpose to deliver Him. Nor could Satan force
Jesus to cast Himself down. Unless Christ should consent to
temptation, He could not be overcome. Not all the power of
earth or hell could force Him in the slightest degree to de-
part' from the will of His Father."-"The
Desire of Ages,"
p. 125.
"The foe who in the wilderness had confronted Christ,
assailed Him now with fierce and subtle temptations. Had
Jesus yielded for a moment, had He changed His course in
the least particular to save Himself, Satan's agencies would
8
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
have triumphed, and the world would have been lost."—
Id., p. 486.
2.
The only obedience worth while is that which comes
from the heart. Obedience prompted by .fear is slavery.
Obedience prompted by love is liberty. "The exercise of force
is contrary to the principles of God's government; He desires
only the service of love;.and love can not be commanded; it
'can not be won by force or authority. Only by love is love
awakened. To know God is to love Him; His character must
be manifested in contrast to the character of Satan. This
work only one Being in all the universe could do. Only He
who knew the height and depth of the love of God, could make
it known. Upon the world's dark night the Sun of Righteous-
ness must rise, 'with healing in His wings.'
"—Id., p. 22.
"All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart-
work. with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify
Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and
minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we
shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined
and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service.
When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our
life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appre-
ciation of the character of Christ, through communion with
God, sin will become hateful to us."—
Id.,
p.
668.
3.
"The Lord has said, 'Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep:
for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your genera-
tions.' Ex. 31: 13. None should disobey His command in
order to escape persecution. But let all consider the words of
Christ, 'When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into
another.' Matt. 10: 23. If it can be avoided, do not put
yourselves into the power of men who are worked by the
spirit of Antichrist. Everything that we can do should be
done that those who are willing to suffer for the truth's sake
may be saved from oppression and cruelty.
"Christ is our example. The determination of Antichrist
to carry out the rebellion he began in heaven will continue to
work in the children of disobedience. Their envy and hatred
against those who obey the fourth commandment, will wax
more and more bitter. But the people of God are not to hide
their banner. They are not to ignore the commandments of
God, and, in order to have an easy time, go with the multi-
tude to do evil.
"The Lord encourages all who seek Him with the whole
heart. He gives them His Holy Spirit, the manifestation of
His presence and favor. But those who forsake God in order
to save their lives, will be forsaken by Him. In seeking to
save their lives by yielding the truth, they will lose eternal
life."—"Testimonies," vol. 9, p. 230.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
9
"The Sabbath is the Lord's test, and no man, be he king,
priest, or ruler, is authorized to come between God and man.
ThoSe who seek to be conscience for their fellow men, place
themselves above God. Those who are under the influence of
a false religion, who obserVe a spurious rest day, will set aside
the most positive evidence in regard to the true Sabbath.
They will try to compel men to obey the laws of their own
creation, laws that are directly opposed to the 'law of God.
Upon those who continue in this course, the wrath of God will
fall. Unless they change, they can not escape the penalty."-
Id.,
pp.
234, 235.
LESSON 4 - CONFESSION
OCTOBER 25, 1924
Daily Study Suggestions
1.
Study Questions 1-3. Memorize 1 John 1: 9. On what conditions is for-
giveness granted? What must precede confession, and how does it
come? John 16: 7, 8. Study Note 1.
2.
Study Questions 4-6. What does Note 2 point out must first be done
before God grants forgiveness? How particular must we be in confessing
our sins? Study Note 3.
3.
What are the principal points set forth in Questions 1-6? St,gdy Questions
7-10.
4.
Review the first ten questions, and state briefly the substance of Notes
1-3.
5.
Study Questions 11-13. Memorize Prov. 28: 13. If not in this world.
where will our sins be brought to light? Eccl. 12: 14: Num. 32: 23.
What effect does Note 4 say unconfessed sins have upon the life?
6.
Study Questions 14-17. Read the prayer of Ezra 9: 5-15: of David' in
Psalm 51; and Daniel in Dan. 9: 4-6; and note the points of similarity.
Memorize Ps. 34: 18.
7.
Repeat the memory verses. Review the entire lesson, including the notes.
Questions
1.
In ancient times, when a person had sinned, what did the
Lord command him to do? Num. 5: 6, 7.
2.
Upon what condition does God promise to forgive and
cleanse? 1 John 1 : 9.
3.
What must confession necessarily include? Prov. 28: 13.
Note 1.
-
4. Give examples of true confession, including a forsaking
of evil. Acts 19 : 18-20 ; Neh; 9 : 1-3.. Note 2.
5.
What is a necessary accompaniment of baptism? Matt.
3: 6; Mark 1 : 5.
6.
How definite should confession be? Lev. 5: 5. Note 3.
7.
To whom should confession sometimes be made? James
5: 16; Joshua 7 : 19.
8.
What result did heartfelt confession bring to Zacchwus?
Luke 19: 1-9.
10
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
9.
Relate another instance of true confession and the results
wrought. Luke 15: 11-24.
10.
What statements show that God knows about our secret
sins? Ps. 90: 8; Heb. 4: 13.
11.
What principle holds good in• regard to all sin? Num.
•
32: 23.
12.
What does God say about the man who tries to cover up
his sin? Prov. 28: 13. Note 4.
13.
What was David's attitude toward his sin? Ps. 32: 5.
14.
Enumerate and consider the different elements in Daniel's
confession. Dan. 9: 4-6.
15.
What definite promise is given to those who confess and
believe? Rom. 10: 9.
16.
How is this principle further enunciated? Rom. 10: 10.
17.
Repeat God's promise to them that are of a broken heart.
Ps. 34: 18.
Notes
1.
"Confession will not be acceptable to God without sin-
cere repentance and reformation. There must be decided
changes in the life; everything offensive to God must be put
away. This will be the result of genuine sorrow for sin. The
work that we have to do on our part is plainly set before us:
`Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings
from befor
l
e Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn tb do well; seek
judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead
for the widow.' Isa. 1 : 16, 17. 'If the wicked restore the
pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes
of .life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he
shall not die.' Eze. 33: 15. Paul says, speaking of the work
of repentance: 'Ye sorrowed after a godly sort; what care-
fulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves,
yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement de-
sire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have
approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.' 2 Cor. 7: 11."
—"Steps to Christ," p.
41
b
.
2.
"In the days of Samuel, the Israelites wandered from
God. They were suffering the consequences of sin; for they
had lost their faith in God, lost their discernment of His
power and wisdom to rule the nation, lost their confidence in
His ability to defend and vindicate His cause. They turned
from the great Ruler of the universe, and desired to be gov-
erned as were the nations around them. Before they found
peace, they made this definite confession: 'We have added
unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.' The very sin of
which they were convicted had to be confessed. Their in-
gratitude oppressed their souls, and severed them from
God."—Ibid.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
11
3.
"True confession is always of a specific character, and
acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature
as to be brought before God only, they may be wrongs that
should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury
through them; or they may be of a public character, and
should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession
should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very
sins of which, you are guilty."-
Id.,
p.
43.
4.
"When sin has deadened the moral perceptions, the
wrongdoer does not discern. the defects of his character, nor
realize the enormity of the evil he has committed; and unless
he yields to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, he re-
mains in partial blindness to his sin. His confessions are not
sincere and in earnest. To every acknowledgment of ,his
guilt he adds an apology in excuse of his course, declaring
that if it had not been for certain circumstances, he would
•
not have done this or that, for which he is reproved."-
Id., pp.
44, 45.
LESSON 5 - FORGIVENESS
'NOVEMBER
1, 1924
Daily Study Suggestions
1.
Study Questions 1-3, and look up all the marginal references to texts.
Memorize Isa. 55: 7. What comparison is made in Note 1, to show
God's willingness to forgive?
2.
Study Questions 4-6. Explain what is meant by God's anger as is set
forth in Note 2. Show how anger and mercy can be related. Memorize
Isa. 1: 18.
3.
What are the chief points developed in Questions 1-6? Study Questions
7-9. Memorize Col. 3: 13.
4.
Review the first nine questions, giving the substance or exact words of
each text, without referring to the Bible.
5.
Study Questions 10-12. Describe two instances in the Bible, one from the
Old Testament which illustrate the teachings of Matt. 5: 44. Study
Note 3. Memorize Mark 11: 25, 26.
6.
Study Questions 13-15. Look up the marginal references to texts given in
answer to Questions 13 and 14. What does Note 4 teach concerning the
nature of the unpardonable sin?
7.
Review the lesson and the memory work. Read over the notes, and refer
to the context in the volumes from which they are taken.
Questions
1.
If we. confess our sin, what does God say He will do?
1 John 1: 9.
2.
How willing is God to forgive? Ps. 86: 5.
3.
-How are God's mercy and pardon spoken of? Ps. 103:
10-12; Isa. 55: 7 Note 1.
4.
What is said of God's 'anger and mercy? Micah 7: 18;
Num. 14: 19. Note 2.
12
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
5.
How completely does God wish His people separated from
sin? Micah 7: 19; Ps. 103: 12.
6.
What hope is there for the vilest sinner? Isa. 1: 18.
7.
Upon what basis does God forgive? Matt. 6: 12, 14, 15;
Luke 6: 37.
8.
How are Christians admonished to forgive? Eph. 4: 32;
Col. 3: 13.
9.
To whom must our love extend? Matt. 5: 44.
10.
What are we admonished to do when we pray? Mark
11:25, 26. Note 3.
11.
How is the unforgiving man treated in the parable of
Matt. 18: 23-35?
12.
What expression shows that our forgiveness must be com-
plete and sincere? Matt. 18: 35.
13.
How are healing and forgiveness spoken of? Ps. 103: 3;
James 5: 15.
14.
What is the unpardonable sin? Matt. 12: 31, 32. Note 4.
15.
What exhortation in regard to forgiveness is given to
Christians? Col. 3: 12, 13.
Notes
1.
God will "abundantly pardon." He will remove our sins
from us as far as the east is from the west, and His mercy is
as high as the heaven is above the earth. These expressions
denote the exceeding willingness of God to forgive and cleanse.
2.
God "delighteth in mercy." This may seem strange to
some who have been taught that God delights in punishing.
But of this the Bible knows nothing. It is a "strange act" for
God to punish (Isa. 28: 21), but in mercy He delights.
3.
"If when our brethren surmise evil, we would go to
them, saying, 'Forgive me if I have done anything to harm
you,' we might break the spell of Satan, and set our brethren
free from their temptations. Do not let anything interpose
between you and your brethren. If there is anything that you
can do by sacrifice to clear away the rubbish of suspicion, do
it. God wants us to love one another as brethren. He wants
us to be pitiful and courteous. He wants us to educate our-
selves to believe that our brethren love us, and to believe that
Christ loves us. Love begets love.
"Do we expect to meet our brethren in heaven? If we can
live with them here in peace and harmony, we could live with
them there. But how could we live with them in heaven if
we can not live with them here without continual contention
and strife? Those who are following a course of action that
separates them from their brethren, and brings in discord and
dissension, need a thorough conversion. Our hearts must be
melted and subdued by the love of Christ. We must cherish
-
the love that He showed in dying for us on the cross of
•
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
13
Calvary. We need to draw closer and closer to the Saviour.
We should be much in prayer, and we must learn to exercise
faith. We must be more tender-hearted, more pitiful and
courteous. We shall pass through this world but once. Shall
we not strive to leave on those with whom we associate, the
impress of the character of
Christ?"—"Testimonies," vol. 9,
pp. 192, 193.
4. "Christ told them plainly that in attributing the work
of the Holy Spirit to Satan, they were cutting themselves off
from the fountain of blessing. Those who had spoken against
Jesus Himself, not discerning His divine character, might
receive forgiveness; for through the Holy Spirit they might
be brought to see their error and repent. Whatever the sin,
if the soul repents and believes, the guilt is washed away in
the blood of Christ; but he who rejects the work of the Holy
Spirit is placing himself where repentance and faith can not
come to him. It is by the Spirit that God works upon the
heart; when men willfully reject the Spirit, and declare it to
'be from Satan, they cut off the channel by which God can
communicate with them. When the Spirit is finally rejected,
there is no more that God can do for the soul."—"The
Desire
of Ages," pp. 321, 322.
"The most common manifestation of the sin against the
Holy Spirit, is in persistently slighting Heaven's invitation to
repent. Every step in the rejection of Christ is a step toward
the rejection of salvation, and toward the sin against the Holy
Spirit. In rejecting Christ the Jewish people committed the
unpardonable sin; and by refusing the invitation of mercy,
we may commit the same error."—
Id., p. 324.
LESSON 6 - CONSECRATION
NOVEMBER 8, 1924
Daily
Study Suggestions
1.
Give the titles of the preceding lessons, and the leading thought from each,
to keep in mind the points previously covered. Study Questions 1-4.
Memorize Rom. 12: ;.
2.
Study Questions 5-8. What points were developed in the first four ques-
tions? Study the first four notes, reading the texts cited, and refer to the
books quoted, if at hand. Memorize Rom. 8: 9.
3.
Review the first eight questions, quoting the substance of the texts without
referring to the Bible. Study Lev. 8: 22-36.
4.
Study Questions 9-12. Look up the marginal references to I John 2: 6
and Matt. 20: 27, 28.
5.
Study Questions 13-16. Read 2 Chron. 29: 5-11, 15-36. Memorize
1 Thess. 5: 23.
6.
Study Questions 17-19. Read Notes 5 and 6, and give the substance in
your own words.
7.
Make a general review of the lesson, including the memory verses and the
lesson notes.
14
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Questions
1.
In Rom. 12: 1, what are God's people asked to do? Note 1.
2.
How are we to glorify God? 1 Cor. 6: 20. Note 2.
3.
What was Paul's hope in reference to his body? Phil.
1:20. Note 3.
4.
Of what are the bodies of Christians the temple? 1 Cor.
6: 19.
5.
How will a consecrated person answer the Lord's call?
Isa. 6: 8. Note 4.
6.
What did Christ's devotion to His task lead Him to do?
Phil. 2: 5-8.
7.
What is a condition of discipleship? Luke 14: 33.
8.
If we belong to Christ, what must we possess? Rom. 8: 9.
9.
How are we to walk? 1 John 2: 6.
10.
How did Christ relate Himself to service? Matt. 20: 27,
28; Luke 22: 27; John 13: 1-17.
11.
Through what means is sanctification or consecration
brought about? John 17:.17, 19; Rom. 15: 16.
12.
How complete is this sanctification to be? 1 Thess. 5: 23:
13.
What command was given to the Levites by Hezekiah?
2 Chron. 29: 5-11.
14.
What response did the Levites make to this call? 2 Chron.
29: 15-19.
15.
What is said as to the consecration of the priests and
Levites? 2 Chron. 29: 31; 30: 24.
16.
Because of this consecration, what is said of their prayer?
2 Chron. 30: 27.
17.
To whom will the inheritance at last be given? Acts
20: 32.
18.
In making a complete consecration of all to God, how much
that is of real value are we required to give up?
Note 5.
19.
What do we need to understand in order to make a com-
plete surrender to God? Note 6.
Notes
1.
To consecrate means to separate, to devote, to set apart,
to dedicate. To present the body a living sacrifice is to con-
secrate it, to dedicate it to the Lord for service. In Old
Testament times, offerings were presented to the Lord to be
put to death, that the blood might be used for atonement. We
are to consecrate our lives to God, to be a living sacrifice, to
be consumed in His service.
2.
We are to glorify God in our body as well as in our
spirit. Chapters 7-10 of 1 Corinthians go into detail by men-
tioning sins committed in the body. 1 Cor. 10:31 is the key-
note to this section. God wants a clean people, a pure people,
a holy people.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
15
3.
"Christ shall be magnified
.
in my body." What a de-
termination! Weak as Paul was bodily, he decided that Christ
should be magnified in his body. Read 2 Cor. 11: 23-30 to see
how God was magnified in Paul's body. He was able to bear
and to suffer as he did, because of his whole-hearted con-
secration.
4.
"To every one who becomes a partaker of His grace, the
Lord appoints a work for others. Individually we are to
stand in our lot and place, saying, 'Here am I; send me.'
Upon the minister of the word, the missionary nurse, the
Christian physician, the individual Christian, whether he be
merchant or farmer, professional man or mechanic,— the
responsibility rests upon all. It is our work to reveal to men
the gospel of their salvation. Every enterprise in which we
engage should be a means to this end. -
"Those who take up their appointed work will not only be a
blessing to others, but they will themselves be blessed. The
consciousness of duty well done will have a reflex influence
upon their own souls. The despondent will forget their de-
spondency, the weak will become strong, the ignorant intelli-
gent, and all will find an unfailing helper in Him who has
called them."—"The
Ministry of Healing," p. 148.
5.
"But what do we give up, when we give all? — A sin-
polluted heart, for Jesus to purify, to cleanse by His own
blood, and to save by His matchless love. And yet men think
it hard to give up all! I am ashamed to hear it spoken of,
ashamed to write it.
•
"God does not require us to give up anything that it is
for our best interest to retain. In all that He does, He has
the well-being of His children -in view. Would that all who
have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something
vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for them-
selves. Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his
own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God.
No real joy can be found in the path forbidden by Him who
knows what is best, and who plans for the good of His
creatures. The path of transgression is the path of misery
and destruction."
—"Steps to Christ," pp. 50, 51.
6.
"Many are inquiring,
'How
am I to make the surrender
of myself to God?' You desire to give yourself to Him, but
you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and con-
trolled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and
resolutions are like ropes of sand. You can not control your
thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of
your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your con-
fidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God
can not accept you; but you need not despair. What you
need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the
16
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision,
or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the
will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs
to exercise. You can not change your heart, you can not of
yourself give to God its affections; but you can
choose
to
serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work
in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus
your whole nature will be brought under the control of the
Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him,
your thoughts will be in harmony with Him."-
Id., pp. 51, 52.
LESSON 7 - CHRISTIAN SERVICE
NOVEMBER 15, 1924
Daily Study Suggestions
1. Study Questions 1-4. Memorize Mark 16: 15. What sign of the end is
mentioned in Note 1? What is said concerning our individual responsi-
bility, in Note 2?
2. What were the principal thoughts you got from yesterday's study? Study
Questions 5-8. What does Note 3 say concerning the gifts of the Spirit?
3. Study Questions 9-12. Look up the marginal references to all the texts.
Memorize James 1: 27.
4. Review the first twelve questions and the memory work.
5. Study Questions 13-16. Memorize James 5: 14, 15. For what did Jesus
use the greater part of His time while here upon earth, as told in Note 5?
For what did He use His work of healing?
6. What points'were developed in the study yesterday? Study Questions 17-
19. Memorize Gal. 6: 10.
7. Review the last half of the lesson, without referring to the texts, if pos-
sible. Give the substance of each note in the lesson.
Questions
1.
What great commission did Christ give to His disciples?
Mark 16: 15.
2.
When shall the end come? Matt. 24: 14. Note 1.
3.
In this great work, to how many has
"a task been given?
Mark 13: 34.
4.
How is the responsibility of the work distributed? Matt.
25: 15. Note 2.
5.
Relate the parable of the talents. Matt. 25: 14-30.
Note 3.
6.
For what does the Lord tell us to pray? Luke 10: 2.
Note 4.
•
7. To whom did Christ in a special way bring the gospel?
Luke 4: 18.
8. What promises are made to those who consider the poor?
Ps. 41: 1-3.
9.• How will those be treated who turn a deaf ear to the cry
of the poor? Prov. 21: 13.*
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
17
10.
In what does pure and undefiled religion consist? James
1: 27.
11.
What kind of fast is acceptable to the Lord? Isa. 58 : 6, 7.
12.
What is an evidence of genuine repentance? Dan. 4: 27.
13.
Relate the parable dealing with practical Christian help
work. Luke 10: 30-37.
14.
Besides teaching and pieaching, what other work dig
Christ do? Matt. 4: 23. Note 5.
15.
What did Jesus send His disciples to do? Luke 9: 2 ;
Matt. 10: 7, 8.
16.
What is the privilege of any who are sick? James
5: 14, 15.
17.
For what will Christ commend some? Matt. 25: 35, 36.
18.
Whom are we specially to help? James 2 : 15, 16;
Gal. 6: 10.
19.
What promise is given the liberal soul? Prov. 11: 25.
Notes
1.
Of all the signs given by Christ, this is perhaps the
most important. There are but very few countries now where
the gospel has not been preached. We are nearing the end,
of all things.
2.
Not all have the same work to do, but all have some
work for which they are responsible. The work is distributed
"to every man according to his several ability." Not all can
preach, but all can do something. "To His servants Christ
commits 'His goods,'— something to be put to use•for Him.
He gives 'to every man his work.' Each has his place in the
eternal plan of heaven. Each is to work in cooperation with
Christ for the salvation of souls. Not more surely is the place
prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special
place designated on earth where we are to work for God."—
"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 326, 327.
3.
"The special gifts of the Spirit are not the only talents
represented in the parable. It includes all gifts and endow-
ments, whether original or acquired, natural or spiritual. All
are to be employed in Christ's service. In becoming His
disciples, we surrender ourselves to Him with all that we are
and have. These gifts He returns to us purified and ennobled,
to be used for His glory in blessing our fellow men."
— Id.,
p.
328.
Among the gifts may be mentioned the mental faculties,
speech, influence, time, health, strength, money, kindly in-
fluences, and affections. "The man who received the one talent
!went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.' It
wab the one with the smallest gift who left his talent unim-
proved. In this is given a warning to all who feel that the
18
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
smallness of their endowments excuses them from service for
Christ."—
Id.,
p.
355.
4.
We may help to answer this prayer by going into the
vineyard ourselves, encouraging others to go, helping to sup-
port them, and praying for them.
5.
"During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to heal-
ing the sick than to preaching. *. . . The Saviour made each
work of healing an occasion for implanting divine principles in
the mind and soul. This was the purpose of His work. He
imparted earthly blessings, that He might incline the hearts
of men to receive the gospel of His grace."—"The
Ministry
of Healing," pp. 19, 20.
LESSON 8 — UNITY OF BELIEVERS
NOVEMBER
22, 1924
Daily Study. Suggestions
1.
Study Questions 1-3. Study Note 1 until you can give the substance in
your own words. Memorize John 17: 21.
2.
Tell the points developed in the first three questions. Study Questions
4-6. Review the memory text. What does Note 3 point out, as our
greatest danger?
3.
Review briefly the first six questions. Study Questions 7-10. Memorize
Isa. 52: 8. What does Note 4 say is greatly lacking in the church
to-day?
4.
Read the lesson notes. Study Questions 11-14. Look up and read care-
fully the marginal references. Memorize Song of Solomon 8: 6.
5.
Study Questions 15-17. What particular points are developed in these
questions? Memorize 1 Cor. 1: 10.
6.
Select two characters, one from the Old Testament, in whose lives Uta
spirit of selfishness predominated, and tell briefly the story of each.
7.
Read the lesson notes carefully, and review the memory texts.
Questions
1.
What petition occurs several times in Christ's prayer?
John 17: 11, 21-23. Note 1.
2.
How close was this union to be? John 17: 22.
3.
In what respect are the Father and`the Son one? John
5: 30. Note 2.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
December 27, 1924
AFRICAN MISSIONS
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
19
4.
Why did Christ desire unity to exist among believers?".
John 17: 21. Note 3.
5.
By what are Christ's true disciples known? John -13: 35.
6.
What figure is used to denote the unity of the church?
1 Cor. 12: 27.
•
7.
What does God say must not exist in the church? 1 Cor.
12:25. Note 4.
8.
What are we to endeavor to keep? Eph. 4: 1-3.
9.
Before the Lord comes, how great will be the unity among
God's watchmen? Isa. 52: 8. Note 5.
10.
How will unity of faith be obtained? Eph. 4: 11-13.
11.
What is often a cause of division in the church? Lev.
19: 16; Prov. 26: 20, 22.
12.
What is an appropriate prayer for all? Ps. 141: 3,
13.
How are envy and jealousy spoken of? Prov. 27: 4; Song
of Solomon 8: 6.
14.
What exists where envy and strife are?, James 3: 16.
15.
How are we admonished with regard to selfishness? ' 1 Cor.
10: 24, 33; Phil. 2: 4; Rom. 15: 2.
16.
What was one cause for division in the early church?
Acts 20: 29, 30.
17.
What are all enjoined to do? 1 Cor. 1 :10.
Notes
1.
"That they may be one" was the burden of Christ's
prayer for His disciples. "In order successfully to carry for-
ward the work to which they had been called, these disciples,
differing so widely in natural characteristics, in training; and
in habits of life, needed to come into unity of feeling, thought,
and action. This unity it was Christ's object to secure. To
this end He sought to bring them into unity with Himself.
The burden of His labor for them is expressed in His prayer
to the Father, 'that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art
in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; . . .
that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast
loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.'
"-"Education," p. 86.
It is fundamental that in striving for unity with each
other, we should first seek unity with God. Any unity so
called, without God, is not real unity. There would always
come unity between brethren if, when they are separated, each
sought unity with God.
In
the prayer of Jesus for us, we
have the thought expressed, "That they all may be one; as
Thou, Father, art in Me, and
I
in Thee, that they also may be
one in Us." Leave out unity with God, and unity with our
brethren can not follow.
2.
"Wonderful statement! The unity that exists between
Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of
either. They are one in purpose, in mind, in character, but
20
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
not in person. It is thus that God and Christ are one."—
"Testimonies," vol. 8, p. 269.
3.
"It is not the opposition of the world that endangers us
the most; it is the evil cherished in the hearts of professed
believers that works our most grievous disaster, and most
retards the progress of God's cause. There is no surer way
of weakening our spirituality than by being envious, suspi-
cious of one another, full of faultfinding and evil-surmising.
`This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sen-
sual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is
confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from
above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be en-
treated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and
without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown
in peace of them that make peace.' James 3: 15-18."—
Id.,
pp.
242,
243.
"Harmony and union existing among men of varied dis-
positions is the strongest witness that can be borne that God
has sent His Son into the world to save sinners.. It is our
privilege to bear this witness. But in order to do this,
we must place ourselves under Christ's command. Our char-
acters must be molded in harmony with His character, our
wills must be surrendered to His will. Then we shall work to-
gether without a thought of collision."—
Id., p. 243.
"Strive earnestly for unity. Pray for it, work for it. It
will bring spiritual health, elevation of thought, nobility of
character; heavenly-mindedness, enabling you to overcome
selfishness arid
-
evil-surmisings, and to be more than con-
querors through Him that loved you, and gave Himself for
you. Crucify self; esteem others better than yourselves.
Thus you will be brought into oneness with Christ. Before the
heavenly universe, and before the church and the world, you
will bear unmistakable evidence that you are God's sons and
daughters. God will be glorified in the example that you
set. The world needs to see worked out before it the miracle
that biiids the hearts of God's people together in Christian
love."—
Id., vol. 9,
p.
188.
4.
"In the church of God to-day brotherly love is greatly
lacking. Many of those who profess to love the Saviour neg-
lect to love those who are united with them in Christian
fellowship. We are of the same faith, members of one
family, all children of the same heavenly Father, with the
same blessed hope of immortality. How close and tender
should be the tie that binds us together. The people of the
world are watching us to see if our faith is exerting a sanc-
tifying influence upon our hearts. They are quick to discern
every defect in our lives, every inconsistency in our actions.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
21
Let us give them no occasion to reproach our faith."-
Id.,
vol. 8,
p.
242.
5. To see eye to eye means to have the same opinion, to
look at matters in the same light. This is possible only when
all are guided by the Holy Spirit. When we reach that point,
we have reached the acme in Christian experience.
LESSON 9 - MINISTRY OF TRIALS
NOVEMBER 29, 1924
Daily Study Suggestions
1.
Study Questions 1-4. Memorize 1 Peter 1: 7. What purpose is mentioned
in Note 1, in God's permitting trials to come?
2.
What points are developed in the first four questions? ' Study Questions
5-7. Memorize 1 Peter 4: 12, 13. Study Notes 2 and 3.
3.
Review the chief points in Questions 1-7, giving the substance of each
reference, if possible, without turning to your Bible. Study Questions
8-11.
4.
Study Questions 12-14. Memorize Isa. 43: 2, and look up the marginal
references.
5.
Study Questions 15-17.' Give the substance of Note 4, in your own words.
6.
Review the memory work. Select three Bible characters whose lives
showed that they shared largely in the ministry of trials.
7.
Read over carefully the lesson notes, looking up all Bible texts, with their
marginal references. Make a list of the points which have impressed
you most in this lesson.
Questions
1.
How precious is the trial of our faith said to be? 1 Peter
1: 7.
2.
What purpose did God have in pet.rpitting some in the
Smyrna church to be cast into prison? Rev. 2: 10..
Note 1.
3.
Who will suffer persecution? 2 Tim. 3: 12.
4.
When God permits chastisement to come on us, for whose
benefit is it? Heb. 12: 10.
What reason is given for rejoicing when we pass through
fiery trials? 1 Peter 4: 12, 13. Note 2.
6. For what purpose are Christians sometimes called upon to
pass through affliction? 2 Cor. 1: 4-6. Note 3.
7. What will the Lord do when we are afflicted? - Ps. 34: 19.
8. What does God say concerning His willingness to afflict?
Lam. 3: 31-33.
9. What may those know who are chastened? Heb. 12: 6.
10. What may affliction work for us? 2 Cor. 4: 17; Rom. 8: 28.
11. What precious promise is given to them that are afflicted?
Isa. 43: 2.
12. How did David regard his affliction? Ps. 119: 67, 71.
13. What peaceable fruit does chastening yield? Heb. 12: 11.
22
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
14.
What may Christ's follTvers expect in this world? John
16: 20, 33.
15.
What harvest will those reap who sow in tears? Ps.
126: 5, 6:
16.
How are we to show sympathy with others? Rom. 12: 15;
Job 6: 14.
17.
What is said of the sympathy of our High Priest? Heb.
4: 15. Note 4.
Notes
1.
Some in the Smyrna church were cast into prison that
they might be tried. It is not stated that they had done some-
thing wrong, yet Satan would cast some of them into prison.
God knew of this beforehand, and could have hindered it if
He had seen fit to do so; but they needed the experience, and
God permitted it to come to them. This should give us courage.
Satan will cast some into prison, but it is all a part of God's
plan. He knows of it beforehand, and as a result of the ex-
perience, some will receive a crown of life.
2.
Peter gives -as a reason for rejoicing, that we are made
partakers of Christ's sufferings, and that thus we will also
have a share in the "exceeding joy" "when His glory shall be
revealed."
3.
It is only when we ourselves have passed through a
great sorrow and have been comforted and sustained by God,
that we are able to be of any great comfort to them that are
passing through a similar experience. Hence it is necessary
for us to pass through affliction, that we may have an under-
standing sympathy for those who sorrow and are distressed,
and be able to comfort and console them. It is in proportion as
we ourselves have suffered, that we are able to give comfort.
•
Christ became the prince of sufferers, that He might become
the prince of comforters. Heb. 2: 18. Paul desired to suffer,
and he rejoiced in his suffering, because he knew that it would
better fit him to minister to the church. Col. 1: 24.
4. "Those who accept Christ as their personal Saviour are
not left as orphans, to bear the trials of life alone. He re-
ceives them as members of the heavenly family; He bids them
call His Father their Father. They are His 'little ones,' dear
to the heart of God, bound to Him by the most tender and
abiding ties. He has toward them an exceeding tenderness,
as far surpassing what our father or mother has felt toward
us in our helples5ness, as the divine is above the human.
"Of Christ's relation to His people, there is a beautiful
illustration in the laws given to Israel. When
-
through poverty
a Hebrew had been forced to part with his patrimony, and to
sell himself as a bondservant, the duty of redeeming him and
his inheritance fell to the one who was nearest of kin. So
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
23
the work of redeeming us and our inheritance, lost through
sin, fell
-
upon Him who is 'near of kin' unto us. It was to
redeem us that He became our kinsman. Closer than father,
mother, brother, friend, or lover, is the Lord our Saviour.
`Fear not,' He says, 'for I have redeemed thee. I have called
thee by thy name; thou art Mine.' Since thou wast precious
in My sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee;
therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.'"
-"The Desire of Ages," p. 327.
LESSON 10 - PATIENCE
DECEMBER 6, 1924
Daily Study Suggestions
1.
Give the lesson topics in order from the beginning of the quarter, and the
principal thought of each lesson, giving a Bible reference if possible.
2.
Study Questions 1-3. Read Notes 1-3. Memorize Heb. 12: 1, 2. What
definition is given for patience, in Note 1?
3.
Study Questions 4-7. Memorize James 1: 4. What does the apostle
James say will make us perfect, if allowed to work in us? Tell briefly the
story of patience as illustrated in some Bible character.
4.
Study Questions 8-12. Give in your own words the substance of Notes
4, 5.
5.
Review Questions 1-12. Look up the marginal references for the texts in
Questions 1, 4, and 7.
6.
Study Questions 13-15. Memorize James 5: 7, 8. Review all memory
texts.
7.
Study Questions 16-18. What is the thought in Note 6? Read all the
notes.
Questions
1.
What exhortation to Christians is given in Heb. 12: 1, 2?
Note 1.
2.
Whom are we to take for an example of suffering and
patience? James 5: 10. Note 2.
3.
Who are said to be happy? James 5: 11. Note 3.
4.
What does tribulation work? Rom. 5: 3.
5.
What will patience do for us? James 1: 4.
6.
How are ministers admonished to patience? 2 Cor. 6: 4-6.
7.
How are Christians•to conduct themselves in tribulation?
Rom. 12: 12; 1 Peter 2: 20; 2 Thess.
4.
8.
What grace is to be added to temperance? 2 Peter 1: 6.
Note 4.
9.
For what event are we to wait patiently? 2 Thess. 3: 5;
James 5: 7, 8.
•
10. How is patience obtained? James 1: 3; Rom. 5: 3.
11.
For what is the remnant church noted? Rev. 14: 12.
12.
What connection, therefore, may be seen between Rev. 13:
15-17 and Rev. 14: 12? Note 5.
13.
In view of this, what may Christians expect? 2 Tim.
3: 12.
24
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
14.
What are we exhorted to do when we come into tempta-
tion? Why? James 1: 2, 3.
15.
Of what do those who wait for the Lord have need?
Heb. 10: 36, 37.
16.
How does Paul express his wish that Christians might be
strengthened? Col. 1: 11.
17.
How were the signs of an apostle manifest in the case of
Paul? 2 Cor. 12: 12. Note 6.
18.
How are Christians to possess their souls? Luke 21: 19.
Notes
1.
Patience means more than merely accepting without
complaint whatever comes to us. Patience is a positive vir-
tue, not a negative one. Its real meaning is to endure, to con-
tinue to the end, to keep on. Many give up before the race
is finished. It is "he that endureth to the end" who "shall be
saved." Matt. 10: 22.
This meaning
.
of endurance does not exclude the other
meaning,— of keeping sweet under provocation, of not losing
the temper under insult. Christians should always be able
to control both their tongue and their spirit under the great-
est trials. Christ supplies the .strength needed for all
emergencies.
2.
We are told to take the prophets for an example of
suffering and patience. Almost all the prophets' furnish ex-
amples of this. Moses had many afflictions and hardships.
But he did not become discouraged or faint-hearted. He en-
dured to the end. Jeremiah had trials innumerable. He felt
keenly every insult and mockery. But he did not give up.
He persevered. So did Isaiah, and Ezekiel, and Hosea, and
Amos, and all the rest. Against great odds and sometimes
under fierce persecution, they continued steadfast.
3.
Those who endure are counted happy. It is not enough
to begin — we must also finish. Christ is not only the author,
but also the finisher, of our faith. Heb. 12: 2. He is the.
Omega as well as the Alpha. Rev. 1: 8. Christ finished His
work, and He wants us to finish ours: John 17: 4. Paul had
the same wish. Acts 20: 24; 2 Cor. 8: 6.
James 5: 11 gives a good example of the meaning of the
word "patience." It means more' than merely being sweet
under provocation. It means to endure. Job was not always
sweet. He was sorely tried, and sometimes gave vent to his
feeling in rather sharp words. In the narrow meaning of the •
word, Job may perhaps have failed; but in the larger meaning,
that of enduring, of steadfastness, of courage, he was emi-
nently successful. In the darkest hour, he could say, "I know
that my Redeemer liveth." Job 19: 25.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
25
Some of God's dear saints, worn and weary, may at times
give way to words of impatience. Let such know that "the
Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." While God can
not excuse sin in any way, He knows our frame, that we are
dust. Ps. 103: 14. He looks in tenderness upon all, and
longs to give the power and help needed. And if we continue
steadfast, if we endure, if we possess that, patience included
in the larger meaning of the word, we will be counted happy.
4.
"Life is disciplinary. While in the world, the Christian
will meet with adverse influences. There will be provocations
to test the temper; and it is by meeting these in a right spirit
that the Christian graces are developed. If injuries and in-
sults are meekly borne, if insulting words are responded to by
gentle answers, and oppressive acts by kindness, this is evi-
dence that the Spirit of Christ dwells in the heart, that sap
from the Living Vine is flowing to the branches. We are in
the school of Christ in this life, where we are to learn to be
meek and lowly of heart; and in the day of final accounts we
shall see that all the obstacles we meet, all the hardships and
annoyances that we are called to bear, are practical lessons
in the application of principles of Christian life. If well
endured, they develop the Christlike in the character, and
distinguish the Christian from the
worldling."—"Testimo-
nies," vol. 5,
p...444.
Patience naturally follows temperance. Hence the impor-
tance of gaining control over the appetites and passions.
5.
As tribulation works patience, and as the remnant
church is noted for its patience, it follows naturally that the
remnant church will have special trials and tribulations.
6.
Paul says that "the signs of an apostle were wrought
among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty
deeds." Read 2 Cor. 11: 23-27 to see how Paul endured and
bore with patience the ill treatment accorded him.
"If all who profess to be followers of Christ were truly
sanctified, their means, instead of being spent for needless
and even hurtful indulgences, would be turned into the Lord's
treasury, and Christians would set an example of temperance,
self-denial, and self-sacrifice."—"The
Great Controversy,"
P.
475.
"Professed Christians yearly expend an immense sum
upon useless and pernicious indulgences, while souls are per-
ishing for the word of life."—
Id.,
p.
475.
"The Sabbath school work is important, and all who are
interested in the truth should endeavor to make it prosper-
ous."—"Testimonies," vol. 5, p. 127.
26
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
LESSON 11- CONTENTMENT AND
CHEERFULNESS
DECEMBER 13, 1924
Daily Study Suggestions
1.
Study Questions 1-4. Memorize 1 Tim. 6: 10. What points are developed
in the first four questions? What is the counsel given us in Note 1?
Repeat as fully as possible in your own words.
2.
Study Questions 5-8. Repeat as fully as possible in your own words the
illustration used in Luke 12: 24-28. Memorize Phil. 4: 11.
3.
Give the principal points brought out in Questions 1-8. Study Questions
9-12, and review Notes 1-3.
4.
Review Questions 1-12. Repeat the memory texts.
5.
Study Questions 13-16. Look up the marginal references to each text.
6.
Study Questions 17-20. Memorize Phil. 4: 6. Name in order the points
developed in Questions 13-20.
7.
Review the lesson. Read the lesson helps, and repeat the memory texts.
Questions
L What does the apostle say is great gain? 1 Tim. 6: 6, 7.
2.
Conce•rning what are . we not to show anxiety? Matt.
6: 31, 32.
3.
If we do not always have all we want, how .are we to
feel? Heb. 13: 5; 1 Tim. 6: 8. Note 1.
4.
What dangers come to them who wish to be rich? 1 Tim.
6: 9, 10.
5.
What illustrations did Christ use to teach contentment?
Luke 12: 24-28.
6.
What leston had Paul learned? Phil. 4: 11.
7.
In. view of God's precious promise, what may we do?
1 Peter 5: 7.
8.
What command did Jesus give His disciples before leav-
ing them? John 16: 33.
9.
How are we to serve the Lord? Ps. 100
Note 2.
10.
Against what are Christians warned? 1 Cor. 10: 10.
Note 3.
11.
How are Christians to accept persecution? Luke C: 22, 23.
12.
What illustration of this is given in the experience of Padl
and Silas? Acts 16: 25.
13.
How constant is to be our rejoicing? Phil. 4: 4.
14.
What is the reason for this joy and cheerfulness? Isa.
61: 10.
15.
What other assurance is 'a cause for cheerfulness? Rom.
8: 28.
16.
What reason has the remnant church specially for being
cheerful? John 14: 1-3.
17.
What other reason may be given? Luke 21: 28.
18.
How may we be of help to others? Prov. 12: 25.
19.
What should be added to our prayers and supplications?
•
Phil. 4: 6.
20. What will be the result? Phil. 4:.7. '
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
27
Notes
1.
"While we review, not the dark chapters in our expe-
rience, but the manifestations of God's great mercy and un-
failing love, we shall praise far more than complain. We
shall talk of the loving faithfulness of God, as the true, tender,
compassionate shepherd of His flock, which He has declared
that none shall pluck out of His hand. The language of the
heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like
clear-flowing streams, will come from God's truly believing
ones. 'Goodness and mercy shall follow me all •the days of
my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.'
`Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive
me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is
none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.' Ps. 23: 6; 73: 24,
25."—"Testimonies," vol. 6, pp. 367, 368.
2.
"Those professed Christians who are constantly whin-
ing and complaining, and who seem to think happiness and a
cheerful countenance a sin, have not the genuine article of
religion. Those who look upon nature's beautiful scenery as
they would upon a dead picture, who choose to look upon dead
leaves rather than to gather the beautiful living flowers, who
take a mournful pleasure in all that is melancholy in the
language spoken to them by the natural world, who see no
beauty in valleys clothed with living green and grand moun-
tain heights clothed with verdure, who close their senses to the
joyful voice which speaks to them in nature, and which is
sweet and musical to the listening ear,— these are not in
Christ. They are not walking in the light, but are gathering
to themselves darkness and gloom, when they could just as
well have brightness, and the blessing of the Sun of Right-
eousness arising in their hearts with healing in His beams."
— Id., vol. 3, pp. 334, 335.
3.
"You have imagined that cheerfulness was not in ac-
cordance with the religion of Christ. This is a mistake. We
may have true Christian dignity, and at the same time be
cheerful and pleasant in our deportment. Cheerfulness with-
out levity is one of the Christian graces. You should guard
against taking narrow views of religion, or you will limit your
influence and become an unfaithful steward of God."— Id.,
vol. 4, p.
62.
"There are those who take to gloom as a bat to darkness
or as a vulture to carrion. They would rather nurse a misery
than cherish a joy. They always find the dark side of every-
thing, if there is a dark side to be found. They appear to be
conscientious grumblers, as if it were their duty to extract
some essence of misery from every circumstance. . . . On
the other hand, there are rare spirits who always take cheer-
28
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
ful views of life. They look at the bright side. They find
some joy and beauty everywhere. . . . In the most faulty
picture, they see some bit of beauty which charms them. In
the most disagreeable person, they discover some kindly trait
or some bud of promise. In the most disheartening circum-
stances, they find something for which to be thankful, some
gleam of cheer breaking through the thick gloom. .
When a ray of sunlight streamed through a crack in the
shutter and made a bright patch on the floor in the darkened
room, the little dog rose from his dark corner and went and
lay down in the one sunny spot; and these people live in the
same philosophical way. If there is one beam of cheer or
hope anywhere in their lot, they will find it. . . . We have no
right to project the gloom of our discontent over any other•
life. Our ministry is to be ever toward joy. There is nothing
so depressing in its effects upon others as morbidness. . . .
Discontent helps nothing. . . . One never feels better•
for complaining."—"Week-Day
Religion," by J. R. Miller,
pp. 236-241.
"How many people," says Jeremy Taylor, "are busy in the
world gathering together a handful of thorns to sit upon."
LESSON 12 - BLESSEDNESS OF GIVING
DECEMBER 20, 1924
Daily Study Suggestions
1.
Study Questions 1-4. In what does Note 1 say the plan of salvation was
laid? What effect upon the treasury does Note 2 say would be brought
about by systematic benevolence?
2.
Study Questions 5-8. Memorize Prov. 11: 24, 25. Look up the marginal
references to the texts. What two things are associated in these refer-
ences?
3.
State the points developed in Questions 1-8, without` referring to texts in
your Bible. Study Questions 9-12. What does Note 3 teach regarding
liberality in giving?
4.
Review questions 1-12, giving the substance of each reference without
looking at your Bible.
5.
Study Questions 13-16. Memorize 2 Cor. 9: 6, 7. By what motive does
Note 4 say our giving should be prompted?
6.
Study Questions 17-20. Memorize Luke 12: 15. What important lesson
is taught in Note 5?
7.
Review the lesson notes, and give the substance of each in your own words.
Repeat the memory texts.
Questions
1.
How has God manifested His love for the world? John
3: 16. Note 1.
2.
What does God require of man? Luke 10: 27.
3.
How do we show our love to God? 1 John 5: 2.
4.
What command of the Lord is given in Prov. 3: 9? Note 2.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
29
5.
How will this giving affect a person's temporal posses-
sions? Prov. 3: 10.
6.
How will giving affect the soul? Prov. 11: 24, 25.
7.
How does the Lord speak of prayer and liberality? Acts
10: 4.
8.
How may earthly treasures be transferred to heaven?
-
Answer :
By investing them in God's cause on earth.
Luke 12: 33, 34.
9.
How may the rich lay hold on eternal life? 1 Tim. 6:
17-19.
10.
What provision did God make, in the Old Testament, for
the support of His work? Num. 18: 21; Lev. 27: 30.
11.
What like provision has been made in the New Testament?
1 Cor. 9: 11-14. Note 3.
12.
In what words did Christ approve of tithe paying? Matt.
23: 23.
13.
How did He regard giving? Acts 20: 35.
14.
What spirit should actuate the giver? 2 Cor. 9: 7.
15.
Aside from tithe paying, what does God expect? Mal. 3: 8.
16.
Upon what basis should offerings be given? Deut. 16: 17.
Note 4.
17.
Of what are we to beware? Luke 12: 15
.
:
18.
How did God, in the parable, regard the selfish rich man?
- Luke 12: 20.
19.
Give an example of God's care for a liberal soul. 1 Kings
17: 8-16.
20.
How are the gifts of the poor and of the children regarded
by God? Note 5.
Notes
1.
"The foundation of the plan of salvation was laid in
sacrifice.
Jesus left the royal courts, and became poor, that
we through His poverty might be made rich. All who share
thii' salvation, purchased for them at such an infinite sacrifice
by the Son of God, will follow the example of the True Pat-
tern. Christ was the chief corner stone, and we must build
upon this foundation. Each must have a spirit of self-denial
and self-sacrifice."-"Testimonies,"
vol.
3, p. 387.
2.
"If the plan of systematic benevolence were adopted by
every individual, and fully carried out, there would be a con-
stant supply in the treasury. The income would flow in like
a steady stream constantly supplied by overflowing springs of
benevolence. Almsgiving is a part of gospel religion. Does
not the consideration of the infinite price paid for our re-
demption leave upon us solemn obligations pecuniarily, as well
as lay claim upon all our powers to be devoted to the work
of the Master?"-
Id.,
pp.
389, 390.
3.
"Christians are required by the Scriptures to enter upon
a plan of fictive benevolence which will keep in constant ex-
30
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
ercise an interest in the salvation of their fellow men. The
moral law enjoined the observance of the Sabbath, which was
not a burden, except when that law was transgressed and they
were bound by the penalties involved in breaking it. The
tithing system was no burde'n to those who did not depart
from the plan. The system enjoined upon the Hebrews has
not been repealed or relaxed by the One who originated it.
Instead of being of no force now, it was to be more fully
carried out and more extended, as salvation through Christ
alone should be more fully brought to light in the Christian
age."—Id., pp. 391, 392.
"As to the amount required, God has specified one tenth
of the increase. This is left to the conscience and benevolence
of men, whose judgment in this tithing system should have
free play. And while it is left free to the conscience, a plan
has been laid out definite enough for all. No compulsion is
required."—
Id., p. 394.
4.
"Systematic benevolence should not be made systematic
compulsion. It is freewill offerings that are acceptable to God.
True Christian benevolence springs from the principle of
grateful love. Love to Christ can not exist without corre-
sponding love to those whom He came into the world to re-
deem. Love to Christ must be the ruling principle of the
being, controlling all the emotions and directing all- the
energies."—
Id., p. 396.
5.
"In the balances of the sanctuary, the gifts of the poor,
made from love to Christ, are not estimated according to the
amount given, but according to the love which prompts the
sacrifice. The promises of Jesus will as surely be realized by
the liberal poor man, who has but little to offer, but who gives
that little freely, as by the wealthy man who gives of his
abundance."—
Id., pp. 398, 399.
"The offerings of little children may be acceptable and
pleasing to God. In accordance with the spirit that prompts
the gifts will be the value of the offering."—
Id., p. 412.
LESSON 13 — SABBATH OBSERVANCE
DECEMBER 27, 1924
Daily Study Suggestions
1.
Review the titles of the lessons for the quarter, and give the leading
thought of each lesson.
2.
Study Questions 1-4. Memorize Ex. 20: 8-11.
3.
Study Questions 5-7. Give three texts which show the custom of religious
worship on the Sabbath. Memorize 1 John 2: 6.
4.
Review Questions 1-7, giving Scripture references without referring to your
Bible, if possible.
. 5. Study
.
Questions 8-10. What instruction concerning proper Sabbath keep-
ing is given in Note 1? Memorize Isa. 58: 13, 14.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
31
6.
Study Questions 11-13. Give in your own words the substance of Note 2.
Memorize Eze. 20: 12.
7.
Study Questions 14-16. Review Questions 8-16. Study Note 3, and re-
view Notes 1 and 2.
Questions
1.
Which day of the week is the Sabbath according to the
commandment? Ex. 20: 8-11; Luke 23: 56.
2.
Who spoke the commandments? Ex. 20: 1; Deut. 5: 4, 22.
3.
How does Christ deny the charge that He has abrogated
or changed the law in any particular? Matt. 5: 17-19;
Luke 16: 17.
4.
Who is still Lord of the Sabbath? Mark 2: 28.
5.
What was it Christ's custom to do on the Sabbath? Luke
4: 16.
6.
In view of Heb. 13: 8, what would Christ do in regard to
Sabbath keeping, were He now on earth?
7.
How should we follow Christ? 1 John 2: 6; 1 Peter 2: 21.
8.
What did Christ say about His relation to His Father's
commandments? John 15: 10.
9.
What should be our relation to them? 1 John 5: 3.
10.
What does the Lord say concerning true Sabbath keeping?
Isa. 58: 13, 14. Note 1.
11.
What does the "psalm for the Sabbath day" suggest as
proper acts and themes for thought and meditation on
the Sabbath? Ps. 92: 1-5. Note 2.
12.
Of what is the Sabbath a sign? Ex. 31: 13; Eze. 20: 12.
13.
Of what character should our worship be? John 4: 24.
14.
How is the Sabbath to be kept? Ex. 20: 8. Note 3.
15.
On what conditions may strangers be accepted by the
Lord? Isa.
2-7.
16.
How long will the Sabbath and Sabbath keeping continue?
•
Isa. 66: 23.
Notes
1. "We should in no case allow burdens and business trans-
actions to divert our minds upon the Sabbath of the Lord,
which He has sanctified. We should not allow our minds to
dwell upon things of a worldly character
even."-"Testimo-
vies," vol. 2, p. 583.
"Some have made a serious mistake in neglecting to attend
the public worship of God. • The privileges of divine service
will be as beneficial to them as to others, and are fully as
essential. They may be unable to avail themselves of these
privileges as often as do many others. Physicians will fre-
quently be called, upon the Sabbath, to visit the sick, and may
be obliged to make it a day of exhausting labor. Such labor
to relieve the suffering, was pronounced by our Saviour a
work of mercy, and no violation of the Sabbath."-
Id., vol.
4, P. 539.
32
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
2.
"During a portion of the day, all should have an op-
portunity to be out of doors. How can children receive a more
correct knowledge of God, and their minds be better impressed,
than in spending a portion of their time out of doors, not in
play, but in company with their parents? Let their young
minds be associated with God in the beautiful scenery of na-
ture, let their attention be called to the tokens of His love to
man in His created works, and they will be attracted and in-
terested. . . . You can direct their minds to the lovely birds
making the air musical with their happy songs, to the spires of
grass, and the gloriously tinted flowers in their perfection
perfuming the air. All these proclaim the love and skill of
the heavenly Artist, and show forth the glory of God."—
Id.,
vol. 2, pp. 583, 584.
3.
"In establishing new churches, ministers should give
careful instruction as to the proper observance of the Sabbath.
We must be guarded, lest the lax practices that prevail among
Sunday keepers shall be followed by those who profess to ob-
serve God's holy rest day. The line of demarcation is to be
made clear and distinct between those who bear the mark of
God's kingdom and those who bear the sign of the kingdom of
rebellion.
"Far more sacredness is attached to the Sabbath than is
given it by many professed Sabbath keepers. The Lord has
been greatly dishonored by those who have not kept the Sab-
bath according to the commandment, either in the letter or in
the spirit. He calls for a reform in the observance of the
Sabbath."—
/d.,
vol.
6, p. 353.
"In all that pertains to the success of God's work, the very
first victories are to be won in the home life. Here the prep-
aration for the Sabbath must begin. Throughout the week
let parents remember that their home is to be a school in which
their children shall be prepared for the courts above. Let
their words be right words. No words which their children
should not hear are to escape their lips. Let the spirit be
kept free from irritation. Parents, during the week live as in
the sight of a holy God, who has given you children to train
for Him. Train for Him the little church in your home, that
on the Sabbath all may be prepared to worship in the Lord's
sanctuary. Each morning and evening present your children
to God as His blood-bought heritage. Teach them that it is
their highest duty and privilege to love and serve God."—
Id., p. 354..
Sabbath School Lessons Next Quarter
"THE LIFE OF CHRIST"
